FUNDAMENTALS

OF CRIME SCENE
PROCESSING
TEAM MASIGLAHI
 CRIME SCENE PROCESSING
Crime scene processing is a time-consuming, rigorous,
systematic, and orderly process involving protocols and a
processing methodology.

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DOCUMENTATION OF
CRIME SCENE
The crime scene is constantly
changing as the time goes by,
that is why it is really important
to document the crime scene to
preserve the information for
later studies.

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LOCARD’S EXCHANGE

According to Locard's Exchange

Principle, there will be an
exchange of microscopic
particles when two items come
into touch. This comprises fibers,
but it also includes other minute
things such as hair, pollen, paint,
and soil. In short, everybody
leaves a trace.

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JOB OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION TEAM
Their job is to look around for physical evidence which are generated by due to
coming in contact of the suspect or victim.

CRIME
SCENE

Physical evidence

VICTIM SUSPECT

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PEOPLE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN A CRIME SCENE
NVESTIGATION.

CRIME SCENE
POLICE OFFICERS SCIENTIFIC SPECIALST
INVESTIGATORS

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ROLE OF FORENSIC EXPERT IN A CRIME
SCENE
They can assist in collection of evidence.

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ROLE OF FORENSIC EXPERT IN A CRIME
SCENE
They can assist in packaging and preservation of
evidence.

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IMPORTANT THINGS AT CRIME SCENE

Click icon to add picture Click icon to add picture

1ST PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY

Safety of all individuals Collection and preservation of
evidence

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STEPS TO FOLLOW FOR
PROPER INVESTIGATION
Secure the scene
Separate the witnesses
Record the scene
Search for physical evidence
Collect physical evidence

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SECURING THE CRIME SCENE
If the crime scene is left unsecured there is a risk of losing the evidence,
uninformed transfer of evidence, or contamination of evidence

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DUTIES OF FIRST RESPONDER

PROTECT THE AREA icon

icon RESTRICT THE ENTRY

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DUTIES OF FIRST RESPONDER

KEEP LOG OF VISTORS icon

icon COLLECT INFORMATION

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DUTIES OF FIRST RESPONDER

REQUEST ADDITIONAL MAN icon

POWER

icon COLLECT INFORMATION

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 SEPARATE THE WITNESSES
If there are more than 1 witnesses it is a rule to separate them from each other so
that they cannot talk to each other or form false story of what truly happened.

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RECORDING THE CRIME SCENE
When the crime scene has been secured– it must be recorded properly.
Photograph and video the area of the crime scene.

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• Close up photos of
the evidence should
be taken. With or
without rulers.

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• The view of the crime
scene should be taken
in all four corners and,
in different angles and
distances

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MAKE AN ACCURATE
ROUGH SKETCH OF THE
CRIME SCENE
• Note the position of the body and any
other physical evidence.
• All the distances should be measured
from two stationary objects.
• North should be labelled.
• Scale of distance should be provided.
• Include objects present in vicinity of
crime scene.

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• A more accurate, final
copy of the crime
scene sketch for
possible presentation
in the court.

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INCIDENT REPORT
• Notes taken at crime
scene also play an
important part in
recording the crime
scene.

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SEARCH FOR PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Searching for evidence must be careful and systematic so that there is no missed
evidence.

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EVIDENCE COLLECTION
It depends upon the type of evidence on a crime scene.

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• Always collect
temporary, fragile,
or easily lost
evidences first.

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• Protective clothing
should be worn at
the crime scene
while collecting
evidences.

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• The collection of
blood samples or
other wet evidence
should be air dried.

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ALL EVIDENCES MUST BE
PROPERLY:

•Packaged
•Sealed
•Labelled

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• An evidence log and
chain of custody
document must be
attached to the
evidence container.

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EVIDENCE LOG MUST
CONTAIN:
• Case number
• Description of evidence
• Name of victim
• Name of suspect
• Date and time of recovery
• Signature of person recovering
the evidence
• Signature of any witness present
during collection
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CHAIN OF CUSTODY

• A detailed log showing who

collected, handled, transferred,
or analysed evidence during an
investigation.

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